US Department of State Lists Georgia Among Safest Countries for Travel
The United States Department of State issued a new system this week to inform citizens on the safety and security of countries worldwide. The new system includes a ‘Travel Advisory’ that provides levels of safety ranging from 1-4 for every country. Georgia was listed as level 1, the category described as “the lowest advisory level for safety and security risk. There is some risk in any international travel. Conditions in other countries may differ from those in the United States and may change at any time.”
Other countries in the same category include Austria, Canada, Switzerland, Scandinavian countries, all EU Eastern European countries, almost all former Soviet republics apart from Russia, Ukraine and Azerbaijan. Travelers are told to “exercise normal precautions”
Level 2 lists countries which have a marginally higher risk to travelers, and includes Great Britain, Germany and France. Citizens are advised to “exercise increased caution: Be aware of heightened risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory.”
Level 3 tells citizens to “reconsider travel: Avoid travel due to serious risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any time.” Countries in this list include Russia and Turkey.
Level 4 includes countries like Iran, Afghanistan, North Korea and Syria, and tells people “do not travel: This is the highest advisory level due to greater likelihood of life-threatening risks. During an emergency, the U.S. government may have very limited ability to provide assistance. The Department of State advises that U.S. citizens not travel to the country or leave as soon as it is safe to do so. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory”says the Department of State.”
By Tom Day